Thousands bid national hero Kabasa farewell
THOUSANDS of people yesterday thronged the National Heroes Acre to bid farewell to national hero, former Mashonaland East Governor, Cde Abraham Kabasa who died on April 29.
Cde Kabasa died at the age of 91, after a long battle with prostate cancer.
The late national hero Cde Kabasa was a certified nurse who participated in the national resistance against the colonial injustices of the racist Rhodesian regime.
He also contributed to nation building in post- independence Zimbabwe, rising to become the provincial chairman of Zanu PF in Mashonaland East province
He was described as a distinguished civil servant, loyal and dedicated cadre who served his country diligently.
Relatives and colleagues described him as an unwavering cadre who dedicated his entire life to emancipating the country from the yoke of colonial bondage.
Some banners at the national burial shrine were inscribed: “Cde Abraham Kabasa our champion for development; Go well our hero, Nyika Inovakwa nevene vayo. Ilizwe Lakhiwa, Ngabanikazi, Brick by Brick.”
Some youths and women chanted revolutionary songs from the start of the burial proceedings to the end, as they paid their last respects to one of their liberators who sacrificed his life in service of his country.
The 14-member Masimba Edenga Gospel Singers choir did not disappoint as they kept the crowd on their feet.
They provided entertainment with songs such as “Mhururu kumatenga”, “Regerera vanokutadzira” among others.
One of the choir members Mr Onai Mukumire said they worked closely with the Government departments to provide entertainment at national events.
“We started to offer such services in 2006 up to now. We will be comforting each other during the burial of high profile figures” said Mr Mukumire
Son to the late national hero, Mr Maxwell Kabasa described his father as a humble and an emotional man who loved his country.
He also commended President Mnangagwa and Zanu PF leadership for giving his father a befitting send off.
“I really appreciate the President and the Zanu PF leadership for according his father such a highest honour in the land,” said Mr Kabasa.
He said that his father was a pillar of strength to the family though emotional.
“My father was an emotional person. He was a man of integrity and corrupt free person. A humble man full of humility, and a respectful person,” he said.
Mr Kabasa said he gave his children an opportunity to go to school.
“He treated youth and young chil
dren with respect and dignity they deserve. He encouraged young generation to be respectful to their elders and also to love their country.” Farming, he said was his passion. “He has great ideas on how to t r ansform f arming i nto business.”
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